PHYLLOSPHERE MICROCLIMATE WITH MICROPCMS TO IMPROVE MYCOHERBICIDES

This program would further investigate the use of microencapsulated water and PCM materials to regulate the phyllosphere microclimate on plants for mycoherbicides (biological herbicides). The targeted mycoherbicide will be Colletotrichum malvarum on prickly sida (Sida spinosa). Phase I results demonstrated that microH2O and microPCM capsules could enhance moisture and temperature conditions on plant surfaces and provide more optimum environments for mycoherbicides. During Phase II, we would: (a) optimize microH2O capsules for mycoherbicide(s); (b) optimize paraffinic microPCM(s) for mycoherbicides; (c) determine application rates and volume(s) of microencapsulated materials in the field; (d) determine the best spray delivery carriers fluids and systems for the field; (e) determine effect(s) of natural light (UV) on field degradation of materials; (f) determine effect(s) of microencapsulated materials on crop plants; (g) determine effect(s) of microencapsulated materials on phyllosphere microflora populations (h) use more specific and accurate methods to measure temperature and moisture on plant surface(s); (i) conduct host range analysis of materials; (j) determine environmental impact of microencapsulated materials; (k) assess packaging and storage of the microcapsules with mycoherbicides; and (1) study economics for large-scale use of microencapsulated materials. By the end of the proposed effort, this technology should be sufficiently developed to expedite its application.